Oh, what a story. Frankie Valli, who came to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of the Four Seasons, is hotter than ever in the 21st century. Thanks to the volcanic success of the Tony-winning musical Jersey Boys, which chron... more »icles the life and times of Frankie and his legendary group, such classic songs as "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man," "Rag Doll," and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" are all the rage all over again. As the play enters its third sold-out year on Broadway, and two touring companies of Jersey Boys travel around the U.S., the real Frankie Valli is packing concert halls coast to coast, from the Rose Theater, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, to L.A.'s Kodak Theater, home of the Academy Awards. Now Frankie salutes the decade that made him a star with his first new studio album in 15 years. In "Romancing The '60s", he puts his own stamp on some of his favorite '60s songs, the ones he always wanted to record but somehow got away.« less
Oh, what a story. Frankie Valli, who came to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of the Four Seasons, is hotter than ever in the 21st century. Thanks to the volcanic success of the Tony-winning musical Jersey Boys, which chronicles the life and times of Frankie and his legendary group, such classic songs as "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man," "Rag Doll," and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" are all the rage all over again. As the play enters its third sold-out year on Broadway, and two touring companies of Jersey Boys travel around the U.S., the real Frankie Valli is packing concert halls coast to coast, from the Rose Theater, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, to L.A.'s Kodak Theater, home of the Academy Awards. Now Frankie salutes the decade that made him a star with his first new studio album in 15 years. In "Romancing The '60s", he puts his own stamp on some of his favorite '60s songs, the ones he always wanted to record but somehow got away.
We Go Way, Way Back...and Here We Still Are--Amazing!
John C. Bergeron | Saint Paul, MN United States | 10/02/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The years fall away as these songs work their magic. I can still remember being 12 years old and visiting a friend who, while we were looking at baseball cards, decided to turn on his older brother's record player. "Rag Doll" happened to be on the platter, and something about that soaring falsetto and the song's poignancy captured my heart. As I listen to this incredible man's newest release over 40 years later, I realize that my heart has never quite been freed. The genius of this recording is that they didn't do what I feared, try to mask the "Sound of Frankie Valli" with over-production and background singers. Apparently, they had the wisdom to realize that there was absolutely no need. Valli has proven again and again over the years that great talent is truly timeless. The choice of songs, the respectful and beautiful arrangements (Gaudio HAD to have a huge hand in this, right?!) and Frankie's amazing voice and masterful phrasing make this a wonderful testament to a great career. Time has moved on and on, and my musical tastes have changed, but if I live to be 100, I'll never forget that Saturday afternoon in my friends basement, and that sad girl in the hand-me-down clothes."
A Rock N Roll Icon Returns!
Anthony Accordino | Massapequa Park, New York United States | 10/11/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"With the enormous success of Jersey Boys on Broadway, it's no surprise that Frankie Valli was going to head back to the recording studio along with long time associate Bob Gaudio. If you expect the hard driving harmony sound of the Four Seasons, then you might be a tad disappointed with this latest effort from the 70 year old Valli. "Romancing The Sixties", finds Valli in fine vocal form, but this cd has a totally mellow feel from start to finish. I find nothing wrong with hearing classic tunes Like "Sunny", "On Broadway", "Any Day Now", "What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted", etc, but the truth of the matter is, Valli's prior solo work packs a hell of alot more punch. After listening to this cd a few times, the listener comes away with the feeling that the originals are superior in almost every case. I do not consider this a spectacular effort by any means, and would have preferred some newly written material. I have always been a great fan of Frankie Valli, and I would love to rate this five stars, but if I have to appraise this effort honestly it is average at best."
Triumph for the Jersey Boy
Charles P. Alexander | New York City | 10/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In the wake of the megasuccess of the play Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli, the man himself puts his inimitable stamp on classics from the 60s, with impeccable production from Bob Gaudio, an original Four Season. The singing is emotional, the orchestrations are beautifully complex, and the songs are timeless. One highlight is the guest appearance of the cast of Jersey Boys, singing background on--what else?--"On Broadway." My personal favorite is "Any Day Now," and "Spanish Harlem" is another winner. Listen for Paul Shaffer and Will Lee from the Letterman band, among the all-star lineup of musicians."
WHAT A FANTASTIC ROMANCE ALBUM
PJK | 10/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"THIS ALBUM WAS MADE TO ENJOY WHILE YOUR MAKING LOVE OR JUST RELAXING. FRANKIE'S VOICE SOUNDS BETTER THEN EVER AND THE MUSICAL PRODUCTION OF THIS ALBUM IS AMONG THE BEST EVER MADE. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN UPBEAT FOUR SEASONS ALBUM, THIS NOT THE ONE TO BUY. IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO HEAR A SMOOTH LISTENING DISC WITH ONE OF THE GREATEST VOICES OF ALL TIME, AS THE TITLE IMPLIES, THEN THIS DISC IS A DEFINITE BUY AND WELL WORTH THE MONEY."
Fantastic album...what's next
Ralph A. D'auge | Staten Island | 10/09/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I recently began buying Four Seasons cd's due to seeing the Jersey boys and attained a new appreciation for Frankie Valli in the past year. Well, when I bought this cd, I figured, he is 73 now, but since I am buying his stuff like crazy this past year or so, why not give it a shot. WOW, his voice is high and wonderful. I actually like the underlying maturity in his voice on this album, mixed with the sharp high of his natural voice, yes I now do believe he has a natural highness to his voice and it is spotlighted here. Not falsetto, but a natural wonderful high. The music arrangements, wonderful and not just done quickly, this is a very diverse and complex sound. The credits say it is arranged by Artie Schroek, and I think I saw him in Atlantic city with his wife Linda November performing in Bally's. I never would have guessed he was this talented the night I saw him as I do remember I enjoyed Linda's performance, but here is the proof. Artie, you don't know me but Kudos to you and Bob Gaudio for presenting Frankie in his nwonderful presentation for us all to enjoy. Reminds me of the wonderful work done by Nora Jones. Hey, maybe it id time for an album by Frankie of new stuff, done this way..hint...hint. Anyway, these are not simply covers, this is Frankie Valli style and I think Frankie Valli is the word all over again, even though I missed it the first time around. I was just a baby during Grease is the word time."